Stacy Motenko September 2008
Stacy Motenko has spent her whole life proving that tough obstacles can be tackled with determination and a positive attitude. Since birth, when she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, she persevered despite the many obstacles the disease presents, including eleven sinus and two stomach surgeries due to her chronic disease.
Stacy has made headway in achieving many of her goals, despite her age of only 21 years. After recently graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in communication and a minor in applied psychology, Stacy now works at the San Diego Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), where she is a Special Events Coordinator, helping to plan and execute their annual fundraising events.
Before officially working in CFF's offices, Stacy volunteered for the organization since she was four years old when she began selling raffle tickets at their annual CF luncheon. At 14-years-old, she began speaking at fundraiser events and now has been the annual speaker for the Orange County CF Gala for the past seven years.
“I am inspired by all of the people who work tirelessly to make a difference in the world and I try my best to contribute to their efforts,” said Stacy. “Dealing with CF has given me the passion and the compassion to reach out to others.”
In addition to her extensive work with CFF, Stacy also worked with other chronic disease organizations, such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association. While in college, Stacy participated in the Isla Vista Youth Project, where she mentored underprivileged children through an after school program.
"Stacy's ability to exert positive change by raising awareness and financial support for cystic fibrosis makes her a hero," said Dr. Joan DeCelie-Germana, a Panelist for the Heroes of Hope Living with CF™ program. “And, her ability to stay upbeat and committed to her own healthcare makes her an inspiration to all my adolescent patients, who especially have a difficult time navigating CF's challenges.”
Like most people with CF, Stacy undertakes a rigorous and time-consuming medical routine each day. To get through her routine and still get to work on time, Stacy wakes up early and multi-tasks while taking her medications: she applies make-up or checks e-mails while nebulizing and doing her other breathing treatments. For her, taking her medicines and staying on track with her regimen gives her the power to control her disease to the best of her ability.
“You've got to fight CF with the best possible tools, and my arsenal includes breathing treatments, inhaled medications, enzymes, exercise, nutrition and a positive frame of mind. I want to be as healthy as possible, and I know that missing a dose of my medicines or not taking care of myself is a lost opportunity to push back on the disease,” said Stacy.
Besides relying on her own determination to stay positive, Stacy looks to her family and friends for love and support. She, like other people who have CF, admits to occasionally having a “black day” where it's virtually impossible to see the bright side — even for a sunny person like herself. When that mood strikes, she relies on her friends, parents and adorable dog, Charlie, to chase away the clouds by making her laugh or by watching movies or making slideshows on her computer, which she finds extremely therapeutic. Ultimately, for Stacy, life is too short to waste time worrying about the small stuff. Whenever she can, she draws upon her experiences to help others, embodying her favorite quote: you must BE the change you wish to see in the world.
Please note: The information contained in these Heroes of Hope™ Living with CF award recipient biographies is not regularly updated. The information only represents the point in time when the Heroes of Hope recipient was honored.
